“Eric Maddern creates an award-winning “Shangri-la” of natural building in Snowdonia. His buildings re-create indigenous house styles around the world, using natural materials such as wood, mud and straw. He has an octagonal Native American hogan with reciprocal frame roof, strawbale walls and a lime render, a roundhouse with thatched roof, a cob cottage, a cordwood log lodge and a real-life replica of a Hobbit hut!”
sustainable
Earthbag School in Aagra, Nepal
“Mar 1, 2016- A building of Mahankal Primary School at Aagra-8 in the northern Makawanpur district built with Earthbag technology has reprieved students from studying under makeshift shelters. The April 25 earthquake had destroyed the school building.
Risking it All – Living Off the Grid TV Series
“American’s have become accustomed to what is considered essential for a good quality of life. Running water, electricity, central heat and air, a spacious home with a fully stocked pantry and at least two cars in the garage is considered ideal. So why would three families decide to turn their backs on modern conveniences to live off the grid?
Developing Eco-construction at Ecovillage Madagascar
“Ecovillage Madagascar wants to be an example in the development of diversity and replicability of eco-construction buildings.
Eco-Village Sustainable Communities (summary of ‘A New We’)
“Now more than ever before people all over the planet are seeking new sustainable models for living. EcoVillages and ecological communities have been emerging as a viable alternative where people can live together in cooperation and harmony with the natural world. ‘A New We’ explores 10 such communities in Europe and opens doors to further exploration and discovery on the new ‘Global EcoVillage & Sustainable Community Network’! Please join the conversation and participate in the ‘A New We’ initiative which aims towards evolving the EcoVillage model into the 21st century! “
Area in Wisconsin with Few or No Codes
The following comment left by a reader got me thinking about publishing a few blog posts about areas in the US with few or no building codes that allow do-it-yourself alternative building with earthbags, straw bales and local wood, and homesteading. As we’ve said many times here, building in areas with codes can skyrocket the construction costs ten-fold, which essentially wipes out the savings of using alternative materials. That probably explains why our blog page Counties with Few or No Building Codes has always been our most popular page.